Interactive action figures for gaming systems

ABSTRACT

An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character&#39;s traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories.

This application claims priority of provisional application, Ser. No.60,484,834, filed Jul. 2, 2003, which is incorporated herein by thisreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to gaming platforms available on theInternet, computer CDs, or other gaming systems. More specifically, thisinvention relates to an action figure and/or three-dimensionalaccessories that include access codes enabling users to engage invarious games and activities wherein the particular action figure andaccessories are reflected in an electronic identity corresponding to theaccess codes.

2. Related Art

The advancement of the Internet has brought about many opportunities forusers to engage in games and other activities including those in whichindividual users compete against one another. These games and activitiesallow users to interact in various capacities. For example, some gamingplatforms allow users to play simple card games against one another,while others allow Internet users to compete against their peers inaction and/or adventure simulations such as those in which variouscharacters duel in hand-to-hand combat.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,660 (James et al.) an Internet gaming system isdisclosed that allows a large number of computer users running a Webbrowser to play a game via the network. Users input moves and becomeapprised of the state of the game, using the basic input/outputfunctions of their browser.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,672 B1 (Vance) teaches a remotely accessible game,such as an Internet game, to encourage consumers to purchase specificproducts. When a product like a bottle of water is purchased, an accesscode is provided inside the label or beneath the cap. Using the accesscode as a login password, consumers may take part in a particular game.

US Patent Application No. US2002/0183119A1 (Fessler) describes anexternal game enhancer that may be used with an electronic gamingsystem. The game enhancer may be a small plug-in external item,containing storage memory, which can be quickly and directly connectedto the electronic gaming platform so that the memory is accessible bythe gaming machine when the game is played. The game enhancer may bebuilt into a toy or consumer product like a key chain.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,532 B2 (Albrecht) also describes a game enhancementsystem that provides a consumer product with a memory device that may betransferred to the game memory for enhancing the functionality of theelectronic game. Alternatively, a pass word for enhancing thefunctionality of the electronic game may be provided to a consumer uponpurchase of a product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a gaming platform and/or an action figureadapted to interact with the gaming platform. The characteristics of acomputer game character are related to a customizable action figure thatmay, in itself, be a source of entertainment or a display item for userseven when said users are not connected to the gaming platform. Thecustomizable action figure may provide access for game users toparticipate remotely in games and/or other activities via the Internetor other computer or game programs. Alternatively or additionally, thecustomizable action figure may allow game users to enhance thecharacter/team, for example, by changing their characteristics, such asattributes, powers, weapons, equipment, experience points, levels,feats, strengths, weaknesses, etc. This access and/or enhancement may beprovided by inputting, into the gaming platform, one or more serialnumbers that are associated with the action figure and/or accessoriesfor the action figure. Preferably, the gaming platform is adapted tosave the character with its enhanced attributes, so that the user maylater return to the game with the character in the same condition aswhen the user left the game. The action figure may provide not onlyaccess or enhancement to an enjoyable activity via its interaction withthe Internet or other gaming platform, but also a source ofentertainment in its physical, toy form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an invented interactivegaming platform accessible via the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventedinteractive action figure in an Internal gaming platform, displayed on acomputer screen.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an action figureholding two accessories, and having a serial number on the leg surface(which is shown enlarged to the side of the leg).

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E illustrates embodiments of some possibleaccessories that may be purchased for the action figure of FIG. 3, andthat may have their serial numbers input into the gaming platform ofFIG. 1 to modify/enhance the game character of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In preferred embodiments of the invention, each action figurecorresponds to a different computer identity, or character, in a varietyof different gaming platforms managed by remote servers, and/or in othercomputer or game programs. When the action figure and/or programming isdesigned or and manufactured, information based on the physicalattributes of the action figure is programmed into the server/program tocreate the particular character identity in the gaming platform. Aserial number is provided on or with the action figure, either on asurface of the action figure or in the packaging for the action figure.For example, the serial number may be provided by etching, molding, oradhesive or tied-on label. Alternatively, the serial number may beprovided by including it on or inside the packaging for the actionfigures, for example, on a tag, sheet, or ID tag inside the box.Preferably, the serial number is not visible from the outside of thepackaging, so that a consumer may not see or record the serial numberuntil he/she purchases the action and opens the packaging. The serialnumber may be a number and/or letters, and may or may not convey, whensimply read or viewed by the consumer, information about the character,accessory, or characteristic. For example, a serial number may be styledsuch as: 1035589, SM1035589, SUPERMANSTRENGTH1035589, 4011856, H4011856,HEALTH4011856, etc. Any number of action figures may be supplied with asingle serial number. For example, different superhero action figurespreferably will have different serial numbers, for example, one serialnumber for all Spiderman™ action figures, and a different serial numberfor all Green Goblin™ action figures. Or, a certain portion of a singlesuperhero may have one serial number and another portion of that samesuperhero may have a different serial number. Or, every action figuremay have a different serial number. Other system of serial numbers maybe designed.

When the action figure is purchased, the owner of the action figure usesthe serial number provided with the action figure as an access codeto 1) access a game/activity; and/or 2) access a character in thegame/activity, depending on the embodiment of the gaming platform. Theprogramming and instructions may instruct the owner to input all of theserial number, or a portion of the serial number (such as the numbersonly). Once the game and/or the character is activated, the charactermay, for example, compete against similar characters, embark on anadventure alone, or join a team of other characters in a competition oradventure.

Further, owners of such action figures may modify/enhance their gameplatform characters by purchasing accessories, each of which preferablyis also are provided with a serial number. Upon registering the serialnumbers of the various accessories with a particular electroniccharacter, by inputting the accessory serial number into the gamingplatform, these accessories become part of the identity of the gamecharacter for future use. These accessory items, for example, may beitems or attributes, to make a character stronger, more dangerous, livelonger, brandish different weapons, etc.

The action figures are preferably three-dimensional figures, in the formof miniature humans, superheros, animals, gods, mythical persons orbeasts, robots, for example. Preferably, each of the action figures hasvisible features, such as body parts; hair, fur, feathers; clothing orarmor; facial expressions; logos; or other features that make the actionfigure identifiable. These features may be molded, painted, attached orotherwise connected or provided on the action figure. The action figuresmay or may not have joints, bending limbs or parts, or other moveableparts. Some or all of these features are the information that isprogrammed into the character in the gaming system, at least to anextent that the viewer/player of the game, once the game character isaccessed (preferably by the serial number on the three-dimensionalaction figure), recognizes that the character is the sameperson/animal/entity as the action figure. So, the action figure may besaid to “visually correspond” to the electronic/computer game character,or to “be in the likeness of” the electronic/computer game character,and vice versa. Thus, the three-dimensional, physically tangible actionfigure has a substantial resemblance to the two-dimensional, digitalcharacter in the computer/game.

The “accessories” described above are preferably also three-dimensional,physically tangible items, purchased at a store, through a catalog, overthe internet, or otherwise acquired. The accessories preferably areitems that are miniatures of items that the action may be dressed in,ride on or in, fight with, or otherwise use in a hand, paw, claw, etc.Such items would be armor, leather couplets, chain mail, helmets,swords, guns, knives, laser weapons, grenades, horses, motorcycles,tanks, helicopters, etc. Thus, these items have a substantialresemblance to the enhancement that is being unlocked by the item'sserial number, and these items may be attached to, held by, or mountedby, the action figure. Alternatively, the accessories may be items thatare symbols of less tangible traits, such as health, strength, courage,wisdom, intelligence, weakness, etc. Such accessories may be a medallionor badge shaped like a small clenched fist for “strength”; aheart-shaped medallion or badge for “health”; a book-shaped medallion orbadge for “wisdom”, for example. Preferably, the accessory representingthe less tangible trails are medallions or badges or other forms thatcan be attached to the action figure and that are sized appropriatelyfor the size of the action figure. Other shapes or forms may be used,such as a plate, a banner, a tag, or simply an item to be placed besidethe action figure. As with the action figure, the serial number may beapplied directly onto the accessory item or in or on packaging for theaccessory. As with the action figure, preferably the serial number isnot visible to the consumer/owner until he or she opens the package.

Each time game play is suspended, information regarding the changingcharacteristics of the game “player” (the character) is stored on theserver so that each time the game is accessed the most current “player”is retrieved. If there is only one game “player” active in a game, theuser may stop play at any time and save his or her information. Whenmore than one user is involved, play may be halted at any break in theaction or at such point all users agree to stop. At some time in thecourse of game play, the character may become weaker or die. At thispoint, owners of the action figure may purchase additional strength orlives for their character or pay to have their character resurrected orcloned so that they can continue playing the game.

Referring now to the figures, an embodiment of an interactive actionFIG. 10 for use with Internet gaming platforms 20 is illustrated. Theinteractive action figure comprises an action figure toy 10 whichcontains a serial number 25 corresponding to a specific computeridentity or game character 30. The character 30 may be brought to lifewithin a specific gaming network using the serial number 25 as a firstaccess code. Providing the required access code 25 to the appropriatenetwork server 40 or managing device activates the particular character30 within the gaming framework. Once activated, the character 30proceeds in the game according to the rules of the game. For example,the character 30 may compete in hand-to-hand combat against anothersimilar character or embark upon an adventure alone.

Preferably, the invented interactive action FIG. 10 may take manyphysical forms to appeal to a wide range of users. For example, theaction figure may be a warrior, a sports figure, a casino gambler, adoll, or a teddy bear. The specific gaming platform may then be designedaround the particular figure and its intended audience. For example, ateddy bear may be intended for children and an appropriate computeridentity may embark on an adventure that teaches valuable skills orlessons along the way. Alternatively, a warrior may appeal to a moreadult audience. Consequently, its character may participate in a streetfight or other intense or dangerous competition.

In a preferred embodiment, the gaming platform connects (50) a largenumber of individual users owning action figures and their correspondingcomputer identities, as shown in FIG. 1. Within the gaming platform, thecharacters may be formed into teams to compete in, for example, a soccergame, rugby competition, or a war (60). However, connecting users is notnecessary so long as the individual user may access the appropriatecomputer identity using the action figure serial number and engage in anenjoyable activity via the Internet. Preferably, a centralizedmanagement device continually stores and updates character informationas game play proceeds so that users may quit at any time and return tothe game later and retrieve the most “current” computer identity fortheir action figure. For example, if a user completes a level in a game,this information would be stored and the user would not have to returnto this level in the future. Preferably, where many users are active ina single game, users may quit at any time there is a break in play orwhen all users agree to suspend play.

One of many possible embodiments of an invented interactive action FIG.10 on the Internet is depicted in FIG. 2. This action FIG. 10 is shownin FIG. 3 in his basic form, with two weapon accessories 70, 75 alreadyadded. Additional accessories are shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, including boots80, chest armor 90, face mask 85, arm armor 95, and wisdom (book)accessory 100. One may note the close resemblance between the actionFIG. 10 in FIG. 3 and the game character 30 of FIG. 2, wherein thecharacter has been enhanced with weapon accessories 70′, 75′, and boot80′, face mask 85′, and chest armor 90′ accessories).

As game play proceeds, users may update or modify their computercharacters by purchasing accessories for their action figures, forexample, according to the above description of accessories. Preferably,each accessory item has a serial number (125, 126, 127, 128, 129) or“secondary access code” with which it is associated, either by attachingor implanting the serial number to or in the accessory item, or byplacing the serial number inside the packaging. After inputting thefirst access code (preferably the action figure's serial number) intothe network managing system, one or more secondary access codes may beinput to update the existing computer character identity. As describedabove, such accessory items may be intangible; for example, anindividual may purchase accessory items that represent additional livesfor their computer character or strength enhancers that bolster theirchances of success. Alternatively, the accessory items may be physicalitems or equipment such as weapons or clothing as shown in FIG. 3.Inputting secondary codes for accessory items prompts the networkmanaging system to associate these items with the computer identitycorresponding to the first access code.

At some point in the course of game play, a specific character mayexpire within a particular gaming platform. For example, a character maydie in the midst of a battle or come to the end of a particular journeyafter all preceding levels have been passed. If this occurs, an actionfigure owner may pay to have their character revived (for example,resurrected, cloned, or refreshed). This revival procedure may involvepurchasing another action figure with an additional/updated serialnumber, or purchasing another serial number without buying anotheraction figure via a revival product or service associated with theparticular character, which may be distributed after payment is made tothe manufacturer of the action figures or the manager of the gamingsystem.

While the preferred embodiments are described as being adapted for usein an Internet gaming platform, other gaming platforms may be used. Forexample, computer CD games, or gaming systems of the types representedby the popular PS2™ or X-box™ systems, might be adapted for use inembodiments of the invention. For example, such systems may be adaptedto accept input of serial numbers to unlock games, characters, and/orcharacteristics of the characters, such as traits, weapons, weaknesses,etc. Therefore, while the current preferred embodiments include multipleusers of Internet games, other embodiments and especially futureembodiments may include non-Internet gaming systems for one or moreusers.

Although this invention has been described above with reference toparticular means, materials, and embodiments, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, butextends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the followingclaims.

I claim:
 1. A computer gaming system comprising: a firstthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofa first character of a computer game, said first character of saidcomputer game being a controllable character of a story defined by saidcomputer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character insaid computer game to decide a fate of said first character in saidstory of said computer game; a first primary access code packaged withsaid first three-dimensional figure; and an interactive computer gamingplatform that plays said computer game, said interactive computer gamingplatform restricting play of said computer game such that said firstcharacter is not available for play in said computer game until saidfirst character is activated for play by accepting entry of said firstprimary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform. 2.The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said firstthree-dimensional figure has a form that comprises at least one of thegroup consisting of: human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person,mythical beast, and robot.
 3. The computer gaming system of claim 1,wherein said interactive computer gaming platform comprises at least oneof the group consisting of: Internet gaming interface, computer,computer with compact disc (CD), Play Station 2, X-Box, and otherdedicated computer gaming system.
 4. The computer gaming system of claim1, wherein said first character of said computer game has an appearancewhich visually corresponds to said first three-dimensional figure. 5.The computer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said firstthree-dimensional figure and said first primary access code are packagedtogether such that said primary access code cannot be seen by an outsideobserver until a package containing said first three-dimensional figureand said primary access code is opened.
 6. The computer gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein said first primary access code is physicallyincorporated as part of said first three-dimensional figure.
 7. Thecomputer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said first primary accesscode is physically incorporated as part of said first three-dimensionalfigure by means that comprises at least one of the group consisting of:writing, etching, incorporated as part of a mold, label attached withadhesive, label attached via other attachment means, and tied-on label.8. The computer gaming system of claim 6, wherein said computer game isplayed by controlling said first character of said computer game.
 9. Thecomputer gaming system of claim 1 further comprising: a remote serverthat manages said computer game being played on said interactivecomputer gaming platform; and a computer gaming electronic communicationnetwork that connects said remote server to said interactive computergaming platform.
 10. The computer gaming system of claim 9, wherein saidcomputer gaming electronic communication network is the Internet. 11.The computer gaming system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality ofadditional interactive computer gaming platforms connected to saidremote server via said computer gaming electronic network such that saidremote server manages game play for said computer game played betweensaid plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms andsaid interactive computer gaming platform, and such that saidinteractive computer gaming platform plays said computer game activelyagainst a plurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additionalinteractive gaming platforms.
 12. The computer gaming system of claim11, wherein at least one of said plurality of additional interactivecomputer gaming platforms has at least one additional character of saidcomputer game that is an additional controllable character of saidcomputer game activated by an additional primary access code packagedwith an additional three-dimensional figure that is a representation inthree dimensions of said at least one additional character of saidcomputer game.
 13. The computer gaming system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of additional interactive computer gamingplatforms connected together and to said interactive computer gamingplatform such that said interactive computer gaming platform plays saidcomputer game actively against a plurality of opponents playing on saidplurality of additional interactive gaming platforms; and a computergaming electronic communication network that connects said plurality ofadditional interactive computer gaming platforms and said interactivecomputer gaming platform together.
 14. The computer gaming system ofclaim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of additionalinteractive computer gaming platforms has at least one additionalcharacter of said computer game that is an additional controllablecharacter of said computer game activated by an additional primaryaccess code packaged with an additional three-dimensional figure that isa representation in three dimensions of said at least one additionalcharacter of said computer game.
 15. The computer gaming system of claim1, further comprising: a figure accessory that is a representation inthree dimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said firstcharacter of said computer game, said figure accessory being scaled suchthat said figure accessory is realistically proportional in size to saidfirst three-dimensional figure; and a secondary access code packagedwith said figure accessory; wherein said interactive computer gamingplatform further adds an ability associated with said figure accessoryto said first character of said computer game when said added ability isactivated by accepting entry of said secondary access code into saidinteractive computer gaming platform.
 16. The computer gaming system ofclaim 15, wherein said added ability associated with said figureaccessory comprises at least changing an appearance of said firstcharacter such that said appearance of said first character in saidcomputer game is made similar to that of said first three-dimensionalfigure united with said figure accessory.
 17. The computer gaming systemof claim 15, wherein said figure accessory has a form that comprises atleast one of the group consisting of: armor, chest armor, arm armor,leather couplet, chain mail, helmet, face mask, sword, gun, knife,weapons, laser weapons, grenades, clothing, boots, ground vehicles, airvehicles, water vehicles, motorcycles, tanks, helicopters, horses, book,name plate, banner, tag, medallions, and badges.
 18. The computer gamingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: at least one additionalthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofa corresponding at least one additional character of said computer game,said corresponding at least one additional character of said computergame being a controllable character of a story defined by said computergame such that a game player maneuvers said corresponding at least oneadditional character in said computer game to decide a fate of saidcorresponding at least one additional character in said story of saidcomputer game; and an additional primary access code packaged with saidat least one additional three-dimensional figure; wherein saidinteractive computer gaming platform restricts play of said computergame such that said corresponding at least one additional character isnot available for play in said computer game until said corresponding atleast one character is activated for play by accepting entry of saidadditional primary access code into said interactive computer gamingplatform.
 19. The computer gaming system of claim 18, furthercomprising: at least one additional figure accessory that is arepresentation in three dimensions of an accessory used in conjunctionwith said corresponding at least one additional character of saidcomputer game, said figure accessory being scaled such that said figureaccessory is realistically proportional in size to said at least oneadditional three-dimensional figure; and an additional secondary accesscode packaged with said at least one additional figure accessory;wherein said interactive computer gaming platform further adds anability associated with said at least one additional figure accessory tosaid corresponding at least one additional character of said computergame when said added ability is activated by accepting entry of saidadditional secondary access code into said interactive computer gamingplatform.
 20. The computer gaming system of claim 19, wherein said addedability associated with said at least one additional figure accessorycomprises at least changing an appearance of said corresponding at leastone additional character such that said appearance of said correspondingat least one character in said computer game is made similar to that ofsaid at least one additional three-dimensional figure united with saidat least one additional figure accessory.
 21. The computer gaming systemof claim 15, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform storesability scores of said first character of said computer game and saidinteractive computer gaming platform retrieves said stored abilityscores of said first character when reinitializing said computer gamefor renewed game play after game play has been stopped.
 22. The computergaming system of claim 19, wherein said interactive computer gamingplatform stores ability scores of said corresponding at least oneadditional character of said computer game and said interactive computergaming platform retrieves said stored ability scores of saidcorresponding at least one additional character when reinitializing saidcomputer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.23. The computer gaming system of claim 21, wherein said interactivecomputer gaming platform further changes said ability scores of saidfirst character after said secondary access code is entered into saidinteractive computer gaming platform.
 24. The computer gaming system ofclaim 22, wherein said interactive computer gaming platform furtherchanges said ability scores of said corresponding at least oneadditional character after said additional secondary access code isentered into said interactive computer gaming platform.
 25. The computergaming system of claim 15, wherein said interactive computer gamingplatform ends game play after a predetermined period of time.
 26. Thecomputer gaming system of claim 25, wherein said interactive computergaming platform resumes game play after said secondary access codeassociated with said figure accessory is entered into said interactivecomputer gaming platform.
 27. The computer gaming system of claim 25,wherein said interactive computer gaming platform resumes game playafter a payment is made to a manager of said computer game.
 28. Thecomputer gaming system of claim 1, wherein said computer game comprisesat least one of the group consisting of: a fighting game, a sports game,a children's game, an action game, an adventure game, a team game, asoccer game, a rugby game, a war game, a combat game, a hand-to-handcombat game, a street fighting game, and a battle game.
 29. The computergaming system of claim 1, wherein said first primary access code isfurther packaged with software.
 30. The computer gaming system of claim18, wherein said additional primary access code is further packaged withsoftware.
 31. The computer gaming system of claim 18, wherein saidadditional primary access code is physically incorporated as part ofsaid at least one additional three-dimensional figure.
 32. A method ofplaying a computer game comprising the steps of: providing a firstthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofa first character of a computer game, said first character of saidcomputer game being a controllable character of a story defined by saidcomputer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character insaid computer game to decide a fate of said first character in saidstory of said computer game; providing a first primary access code;packaging said first primary access code with said firstthree-dimensional figure; providing an interactive computer gamingplatform that plays said computer game; restricting play by saidinteractive computer gaming platform of said computer game such thatsaid first character is not available for play in said computer gameuntil said first character is activated for play; accepting entry ofsaid first primary access code into said interactive computer gamingplatform; activating said first character by said interactive computergaming platform based on said primary access code entered into saidinteractive computer gaming platform; and playing said computer game onsaid interactive computer gaming platform with said first characteractivated.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said firstthree-dimensional figure has a form that comprises at least one of thegroup consisting of: human, superhero, animal, god, mythical person,mythical beast, and robot.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein saidinteractive computer gaming platform comprises at least one of the groupconsisting of: Internet gaming interface, computer, computer withcompact disc (CD), Play Station 2, X-Box, and other dedicated computergaming system.
 35. The method of claim 32, further comprising the stepof making said first character of said computer game have an appearancewhich visually corresponds to said first three-dimensional figure. 36.The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of packaging saidfirst three-dimensional figure and said first primary access codetogether such that said primary access code cannot be seen by an outsideobserver until a package containing said first three-dimensional figureand said primary access code is opened.
 37. The method of claim 32,further comprising the step of physically incorporating said firstprimary access code as part of said first three-dimensional figure. 38.The computer gaming system of claim 37, wherein said first primaryaccess code is physically incorporated as part of said firstthree-dimensional figure by means that comprises at least one of thegroup consisting of: writing, etching, incorporated as part of a mold,label attached with adhesive, label attached via other attachment means,and tied-on label.
 39. The method of claim 32, further comprising thestep of playing said computer game by controlling said first characterof said computer game.
 40. The method of claim 32, further comprisingthe steps of: providing a remote server; providing a computer gamingelectronic communication network; managing said computer game beingplayed on said interactive computer gaming platform by said remoteserver; and connecting said remote server to said interactive computergaming platform via said computer gaming electronic communicationnetwork.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein said computer gamingelectronic communication network is the Internet.
 42. The method ofclaim 40, further comprising the steps of: providing a plurality ofadditional interactive computer gaming platforms; connecting saidplurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms to saidremote server via said computer gaming electronic network; interactivecomputer gaming platform playing said computer game actively against aplurality of opponents playing on said plurality of additionalinteractive gaming platforms; and managing game play by said remoteserver of said computer game played between said plurality of additionalinteractive computer gaming platforms and said interactive computergaming platform.
 43. The method of claim 40, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms hasat least one additional character of said computer game that is anadditional controllable character of said computer game activated by anadditional primary access code packaged with an additionalthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofsaid at least one additional character of said computer game.
 44. Themethod of claim 32, further comprising the steps of: providing aplurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms; providinga computer gaming electronic communication network; connecting saidinteractive computer gaming platform and said plurality of additionalinteractive computer gaming platforms together via said computer gamingelectronic communication network; and playing said computer game on saidinteractive computer gaming platform actively against a plurality ofopponents playing on said plurality of additional interactive gamingplatforms.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of saidplurality of additional interactive computer gaming platforms has atleast one additional character of said computer game that is anadditional controllable character of said computer game activated by anadditional primary access code packaged with an additionalthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofsaid at least one additional character of said computer game.
 46. Themethod of claim 32, further comprising the steps of: providing a figureaccessory that is a representation in three dimensions of an accessoryused in conjunction with said first character of said computer game,said figure accessory being scaled such that said figure accessory isrealistically proportional in size to said first three-dimensionalfigure; providing a secondary access code; packaging said secondaryaccess code with said figure accessory; accepting entry of saidsecondary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform;activating an ability associated with said figure accessory to saidfirst character of said computer game based on said entered secondaryaccess code; and adding said activated ability associated with saidfigure accessory to said first character of said computer game duringgame play of said computer game.
 47. The method of claim 46, whereinsaid added ability associated with said figure accessory comprises atleast changing an appearance of said first character such that saidappearance of said first character in said computer game is made similarto that of said first three-dimensional figure united with said figureaccessory.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein said figure accessory hasa form that comprises at least one of the group consisting of: armor,chest armor, arm armor, leather couplet, chain mail, helmet, face mask,sword, gun, knife, weapons, laser weapons, grenades, clothing, boots,ground vehicles, air vehicles, water vehicles, motorcycles, tanks,helicopters, horses, book, name plate, banner, tag, medallions, andbadges.
 49. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of:providing at least one additional three-dimensional figure that is arepresentation in three dimensions of a corresponding at least oneadditional character of said computer game, said corresponding at leastone additional character of said computer game being a controllablecharacter of a story defined by said computer game such that a gameplayer maneuvers said corresponding at least one additional character insaid computer game to decide a fate of said corresponding at least oneadditional character in said story of said computer game; providing anadditional primary access code; packaging said additional primary accesscode with said at least one additional three-dimensional figure;restricting play by said interactive computer gaming platform of saidcomputer game such that said corresponding at least one additionalcharacter is not available for play in said computer game until saidcorresponding at least one additional character is activated for play;accepting entry of said additional primary access code into saidinteractive computer gaming platform; activating said corresponding atleast one additional character by said interactive computer gamingplatform based on said additional primary access code entered into saidinteractive computer gaming platform; and playing said computer game onsaid interactive computer gaming platform with said corresponding atleast one additional character activated.
 50. The method of claim 49,further comprising the steps of: providing at least one additionalfigure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of anaccessory used in conjunction with said corresponding at least oneadditional character of said computer game, said at least one additionalfigure accessory being scaled such that said at least one additionalfigure accessory is realistically proportional in size to said at leastone additional three-dimensional figure; providing an additionalsecondary access code; packaging said additional secondary access codewith said at least one additional figure accessory; accepting entry ofsaid additional secondary access code into said interactive computergaming platform; activating an ability associated with said at least oneadditional figure accessory to said corresponding at least oneadditional character of said computer game based on said enteredadditional secondary access code; and adding said activated abilityassociated with said at least one additional figure accessory to saidcorresponding at least one additional character of said computer gameduring game play of said computer game.
 51. The method of claim 40,wherein said added ability associated with said at least one additionalfigure accessory comprises at least changing an appearance of saidcorresponding at least one additional character such that saidappearance of said corresponding at least one additional character insaid computer game is made similar to that of said at least oneadditional three-dimensional figure united with said at least oneadditional figure accessory.
 52. The method of claim 46, furthercomprising the steps of: storing ability scores by said interactivecomputer gaming platform of said first character of said computer game;and retrieving said stored ability scores of said first character bysaid interactive computer gaming platform when reinitializing saidcomputer game for renewed game play after game play has been stopped.53. The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: storingability scores by said interactive computer gaming platform of saidcorresponding at least one additional character of said computer game;and retrieving said stored ability scores of said corresponding at leastone additional character by said interactive computer gaming platformwhen reinitializing said computer game for renewed game play after gameplay has been stopped.
 54. The method of claim 52, further comprisingthe step of changing said ability scores of said first character by saidinteractive computer gaming platform after said secondary access code isentered into said interactive computer gaming platform.
 55. The methodof claim 53, further comprising the step of changing said ability scoresof said corresponding at least one additional character by saidinteractive computer gaming platform after said additional secondaryaccess code is entered into said interactive computer gaming platform.56. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of ending gameplay after a predetermined period of time by said interactive computergaming platform.
 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising the stepof resuming game play by said interactive computer gaming platform aftersaid secondary access code associated with said figure accessory isentered into said interactive computer gaming platform.
 58. The methodof claim 56, further comprising the step of resuming game play by saidinteractive computer gaming platform after a payment is made to amanager of said computer game.
 59. The method of claim 32, wherein saidcomputer game comprises at least one of the group consisting of: afighting game, a sports game, a children's game, an action game, anadventure game, a team game, a soccer game, a rugby game, a war game, acombat game, a hand-to-hand combat game, a street fighting game, and abattle game.
 60. The method of claim 49, further comprising the stepsof: packaging said first primary access code with software; andpackaging said additional primary access code with software.
 61. Themethod of claim 49, further comprising the step of physicallyincorporating said additional primary access code as part of said atleast one additional three-dimensional figure.
 62. A computer gamingsystem comprising the steps of: means for providing a firstthree-dimensional figure that is a representation in three dimensions ofa first character of a computer game, said first character of saidcomputer game being a controllable character of a story defined by saidcomputer game such that a game player maneuvers said first character insaid computer game to decide a fate of said first character in saidstory of said computer game; means for providing a first primary accesscode for packaging said first primary access code with said firstthree-dimensional figure; means for providing an interactive computergaming platform that plays said computer game; means for restrictingplay by said interactive computer gaming platform of said computer gamesuch that said first character is not available for play in saidcomputer game until said first character is activated for play; meansfor accepting entry of said first primary access code into saidinteractive computer gaming platform; means for activating said firstcharacter by said interactive computer gaming platform based on saidprimary access code entered into said interactive computer gamingplatform; and means for playing said computer game on said interactivecomputer gaming platform with said first character activated.
 63. Acomputer gaming system comprising: a first three-dimensional figure thatis a representation in three dimensions of a first character of acomputer game, said first character of said computer game being acontrollable character of a story defined by said computer game suchthat the system allows a first character to be maneuvered in saidcomputer game in said story; a first primary access code packaged withsaid first three-dimensional figure; an interactive computer gamingplatform that plays said computer game, said interactive computer gamingplatform restricting play of said computer game such that said firstcharacter is not available for play in said computer game until saidfirst character is activated for play by accepting entry of said firstprimary access code into said interactive computer gaming platform; afigure accessory that is a representation in three dimensions of anaccessory used in conjunction with said first character of said computergame; and a secondary access code packaged with said figure accessory;wherein said interactive computer gaming platform further adds anability associated with said figure accessory to said first character ofsaid computer game when said added ability is activated by acceptingentry of said secondary access code into said interactive computergaming platform.
 64. A method of playing a computer game comprising thesteps of: providing a first three-dimensional figure that is arepresentation in three dimensions of a first character of a computergame, said first character of said computer game being a controllablecharacter of a story defined by said computer game such that thecomputer game allows said first character to be maneuvered in the storyof said computer game; providing a first primary access code; packagingsaid first primary access code with said first three-dimensional figure;providing an interactive computer gaming platform that plays saidcomputer game; restricting play by said interactive computer gamingplatform of said computer game such that said first character is notavailable for play in said computer game until said first character isactivated for play; accepting entry of said first primary access codeinto said interactive computer gaming platform; activating said firstcharacter by said interactive computer gaming platform based on saidprimary access code entered into said interactive computer gamingplatform; providing a figure accessory that is a representation in threedimensions of an accessory used in conjunction with said first characterof said computer game; providing a secondary access code; packaging saidsecondary access code with said figure accessory; accepting entry ofsaid secondary access code into said interactive computer gamingplatform; activating an ability associated with said figure accessory tosaid first character of said computer game based on said enteredsecondary access code; and adding said activated ability associated withsaid figure accessory to said first character of said computer gameduring game play of said computer game.